Great National Trust Days Out In Essex

Essex has more than its fair share of National Trust properties.

With stunning gardens, immaculately preserved country houses and picturesque villages, make the most of the summer by exploring the Essex countryside. Enjoy discovering abundant wildlife, forest walks and beautiful historic sites as you discover the county's heritage sites and walk in the footsteps of history.

Eastbury Manor House

A beautiful Elizabethan Tudor manor house with tranquil gardens set in the heart of Barking. Eastbury Manor House may have been used by Guy Fawkes and his accomplices as a meeting place to plan out the Gunpowder Plot.

Another legend has it that Lord Monteagle was living at the house when he received the letter that led to the discovery of the plot.

Where is it? Eastbury Square, Barking, Essex, IG11 9SN

How long does it take to get there from London? About half an hour by car. A 10-minute walk from Upney station or 20 from Barking station.

Is it buggy friendly? Yes. Buggy park on the ground floor as well.

Is it dog-friendly? No, apart from assistance dogs

Is it bike and scooter-friendly? No

Are there toilets?  All on the first floor of the house

Are there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Accessible toilet on the first floor of the house, baby-changing facilities also on the first floor

Is there parking? Free parking on the street next to the property

What outdoor amenities are there? Herb garden and walled garden

Bourne Mill

With pond-dipping equipment free to hire, a bug hotel and an abundance of wildlife Bourne Mill is a young nature-lover's paradise. There is so much for young guests to do at this National Trust gem - pick up a 50 Things booklet at reception and tick off as many outdoor adventure activities as time will allow.

Where is it? Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RT

How long does it take to get there from London? 1 hour 30 minutes by car

Is it buggy friendly?  Yes

Is it dog-friendly? Dogs welcome on leads

Is it bike and scooter-friendly? No

Are there toilets? One inside the house and another at the end of the tarmac outside the mill.

Are there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets?

Is there parking? Very limited parking on-site but on-road parking available nearby.

What outdoor amenities are there? Wetlands, woodland, a pond for pond-dipping, bug hotel, garden, picnic tables.

Paycocke's House And Garden

Kids will love dressing up in Tudor costume at this 16th-century merchant house in Coggeshall. Paycocke's House provides a fascinating immersive experience into the Tudor world. Enjoy an idyllic summer picnic in the tranquil cottage garden surrounded by medieval dye plants and rare roses and fuchsias. Why not try your hand at a game of croquet while you're there?

Where is it? 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1NS

How long does it take to get there from London? About 1 hour 30 minutes

Is it buggy friendly? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? Dogs on leads welcome in gardens

Is it bike and scooter-friendly? No

Are there toilets? Yes, at Grange Barn, on the first floor of the house and at the entrance.

Are there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Accessible toilet at Grange Barn and at the entrance to the property.

Is there parking? Parking available at Grange Barn. Very limited roadside parking.

What outdoor amenities are there? Gardens, croquet, outdoor tearoom seating, kitchen garden, river, village tour.

Rainham Hall

An early-18th century merchant's house recently restored to its former glory. Situated two minutes walk away from Rainham station, this stunning Georgian gem has tranquil gardens and is surrounded by wild marshland. You might recognise this National Trust treasure from the BBC's 2019 production of A Christmas Carol.

Where is it? The Broadway, Rainham, Havering, London, RM13 9YN

How long does it take to get there from London?  About 30 minutes

Is it buggy friendly? Rainham Hall recommends storing your buggy in the Brewhouse while visiting the house, but gardens are accessible.

Is it dog-friendly? Yes, dogs on leads welcome

Is it bike and scooter-friendly? Not suitable for bikes, likely unsuitable for scooters

Are there toilets? Yes, the main toilet block behind the Brewhouse and Stables cafe

Are there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Yes, in the Hayloft above the Stables cafe

Is there parking? None at Rainham Hall itself but ample parking in Rainham Tesco which has three hours free parking, and additional parking in the council pay and display carpark

What outdoor amenities are there? Children's sensory play trail, sensory borders walk, three-acre community garden, woodland.

Grange Barn

In the picture-postcard village of Coggeshall sits one of the UK's oldest timber-framed buildings dating back to the 13th century. Grange Barn would have been used to store and process crops produced by the farms of Coggeshall Abbey, which was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538.

Where is it? Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1RE

How long does it take to get there from London? Around an hour and a half

Is it buggy friendly? Yes

Is it dog-friendly? Dogs very welcome both in the barn and in the grounds

Is it bike and scooter-friendly? No

Are there toilets?  Yes

Are there baby-changing facilities and disabled toilets? Accessible toilet next to the barn

Is there parking? Main carpark 50 metres from the barn

What outdoor amenities are there? Children's trail, picnic areas, lawn.